the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) disclosed that a staggering 6,737 firearms were detected at airport security checkpoints in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 6,542 firearms in 2022. This alarming revelation sheds light on the persistent issue of passengers attempting to bring loaded firearms into secure areas of airports and onboard aircraft.
TSA Administrator David Pekoske expressed deep concern, stating, “We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints, and what’s particularly concerning is the amount of them loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to everyone at the TSA checkpoint.” He emphasized that firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage, reiterating that passengers can only travel with an unloaded firearm, packed properly in a locked, hard-sided case in their checked baggage, and declared to the airline at the check-in counter.
Of the 6,737 firearms intercepted in 2023, a staggering 93% were loaded. This poses a significant risk to both passengers and TSA personnel, emphasizing the need for heightened awareness and adherence to regulations.
TSA, responsible for screening more than 858 million individuals in 2023, reported a rate of 7.8 firearms intercepted per million passengers. While this is a slight improvement from the 8.6 per million passengers recorded in 2022, the overall numbers remain a cause for concern.
In the fourth quarter of 2023 alone, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) stopped 1,665 firearms at checkpoints, averaging 18 firearms per day. Again, nearly 93% of these firearms were loaded.
When a firearm is detected, TSA immediately involves local law enforcement, who take appropriate action, including potential arrests or citations depending on local laws. TSA itself does not confiscate firearms. Passengers found with firearms at TSA checkpoints face fines of up to approximately $15,000, a minimum of five years without TSA PreCheck® eligibility, and may undergo enhanced screening to ensure the absence of further threats.
The surge in intercepted firearms highlights the ongoing need for enhanced awareness, education, and stringent adherence to safety regulations to ensure the security and well-being of all air travelers.
